He shrugs, toeing the ground with his boot. “Rough practice.”
“That’s unlike you.”
“It is. I couldn’t sleep last night, and it threw me off.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I can walk you back to your building now.”
“And miss my time with you? Not a chance, Big Guy.” He nudges me with his elbow. “Come on before we miss the bus.”
When we get back to the Village, we don’t say a word to one another as we take our usual walk and find our usual bench. It’s routine now. Our spot. Though I do wish it was a little warmer, it’s nothing I can’t handle.
It’s earlier than usual, so there are still plenty of people out and about. A few wave when they see us, recognizing us. Nico seems to recognize more people than I do, and part of me feels bad for that, like I’m a bad athlete, and I should pay more attention to others. Hockey is my life and that’s all I ever focus on. I know everyone I play against, but all these other people? I’ve never really had a reason to know them, and so I just don’t.
“Great game, by the way,” Nico says. “Sorry, I should have said that sooner.”
“No need to be sorry. And thank you… it’s amazing being here, and winning? It’s even better.”
“Tell me about it.” He smiles.
“You’re going to win the gold tomorrow,” I say.
He looks at me, watching carefully. “You really think so?”
“Yes,” I say firmly with a nod. “I know it. You’re amazing.”
He huffs a small sound, then looks out at the open space where people are walking around.
“I think I will, but I don’t like being cocky.”
“Cocky and confident are two different things.”
“But they share a line, and it’s easy to cross.”
“But y—”
My phone rings, cutting me off. I pull it from my pocket. Nico watches as I check to see who it is. I can’t help but smile at the incoming video call. “Sorry, I have to take this.”
“Of course.”
“Hey, Ma,” I answer, but the screen is filled with my girl. “Taco!” I say excitedly. “How’s my girl?”
She’s wagging her tail and whining as she looks around, trying to find me.
“Misses you, that’s for sure,” my mom says, coming into view.
“I miss her too. And you and Dad.”
“Oh please, Roman. You hardly see us to begin with.”
“Yeah, but I’m in another country.”
“You’re always in another country.”
Nico huffs a laugh on the side of me.
“Oh, is that Connor?” she asks. “Let me say hi.”
“It’s not Connor,” I say, glancing at Nico with a smile.
